Authorities are investigating whether hazing and alcohol played a role in the death of a sophomore Dartmouth student, whose body was pulled from the Connecticut River over the weekend.
The body of Won Jang, a Delaware native and member of Beta Alpha Omega fraternity, was recovered 65 feet offshore Sunday around 7:30 p.m., the Hanover Police Department said in a news release. He was reported missing earlier that day.
Friends and witnesses said they last saw Jang Saturday around 9:30 p.m., during “an informal social gathering at docks near the Dartmouth boathouse,” according to a press release from the New Hampshire Fish and Game officials.
The search for the missing sophomore included a group of divers and a sonar team, who eventually located the 20-year-old with the help of un underwater camera.
While a cause of death has not yet been determined, police at this time do not suspect foul play.
“The investigation into this untimely death is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Hanover Police Department,” local authorities said in a news release.
Hanover Police Chief Charles Dennis said the probe will examine whether hazing was a factor in Jang’s death.
“There is some evidence of alcohol involved. Certainly from witnesses and talking to things like that, so again that’s all part of our investigation,” Dennis told NBC Boston. “We did receive an anonymous email this morning through the college that there may be some hazing involved, so certainly, we will look into that aspect, too.”
In a statement to students, Dartmouth College dean Scott Brown offered condolences for those who knew Jang.
“We understand that this is very difficult news for our community and encourage you to seek support, whether you need a listening ear or guidance in navigating this challenging time,” Brown said. “We have been in touch with Won’s fraternity brothers and other friends.”
According to the student newspaper, Jang studied biomedical engineering and belonged to the class of 2026.
